PANAJI
The Goa Women’s Forum (GWF) has urged the State government to investigate the upcoming Goa Tantra Festival 2026, scheduled from January 8 to 12 in Arambol, Pernem.
The women's collective fears the event could potentially project Goa as a sex tourism destination, raising concerns about the State’s image and safety.
In a letter to the Director of Tourism, the GWF demanded immediate scrutiny of the organisers and the festival’s agenda.
Copies of the representation were also sent to the Chief Secretary, North Goa Collector, Superintendent of Police (North), Director of Panchayats, Chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Women, Deputy Collector of Pernem, and the Director of ARZ, an NGO working against trafficking.
The move comes close on the heels of the controversy surrounding the “Tales of Kamasutra & Christmas Celebration,” an event that sparked outrage earlier this month.
Following objections from the Goa Catholic Church authorities, NGOs and civil society groups, the State government banned that festival, citing its potential to promote obscenity and tarnish Goa’s reputation.
The GWF said the Tantra Festival appears to follow a similar pattern, with promotional material suggesting workshops and sessions that could be misinterpreted as encouraging sexual practices under the guise of spirituality.
“We cannot allow Goa to be branded as a hub for sex tourism,” the collective stated in its letter, warning that such events could exploit vulnerable communities and damage the State’s cultural fabric.
Tourism authorities are expected to examine whether the organisers have obtained the necessary permissions and whether the festival’s content complies with state laws. Police and local administration have also been asked to monitor developments in Pernem.
Civil society members argue that while Goa welcomes diverse cultural and wellness festivals, events that blur the line between spirituality and sexuality risk undermining public morality and attracting exploitative tourism. Activists stressed that vigilance is necessary to protect Goa’s image as a family friendly destination.
The State government has yet to issue an official statement, but sources indicated that a review of the festival’s permissions and programme is underway. The outcome will determine whether the event proceeds or faces restrictions similar to the recently banned Kamasutra celebration.
